By: Isuru Parakrama
March 30, World (LNW): A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday (28), leading to widespread destruction and a rapidly rising death toll.
As of Sunday morning, over 1,600 fatalities have been reported in Myanmar, with more than 3,400 individuals injured.
The epicentre was near Mandalay, the nation’s second-largest city, which has suffered extensive damage to infrastructure, including collapsed buildings, bridges, and roads.
In neighbouring Thailand, the tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, approximately 1,000 kilometres from the epicentre. The Thai capital experienced significant damage, notably the collapse of a 33-storey skyscraper under construction near the Chatuchak market.
This incident resulted in at least 10 confirmed deaths, with up to 100 workers still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue.
The disaster has exacerbated existing challenges in Myanmar, a country already grappling with civil unrest and economic hardships. The military-led government has declared a state of emergency across six regions and, in a rare move, appealed for international assistance.
Countries including China, India, Russia, and members of the European Union have responded, dispatching rescue teams and humanitarian aid to the affected areas.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by damaged infrastructure and ongoing political instability. In Mandalay, survivors are attempting to locate and assist those trapped beneath the rubble, often without adequate equipment.
International aid is beginning to arrive, with teams from China and India delivering medical supplies, tents, and other relief materials.
The United Nations has allocated an emergency fund of $5 million to support relief operations, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The World Health Organisation has also expressed concern over the “very, very big threat to life and health,” as hospitals and health facilities have sustained extensive damage, leading to a severe shortage of medical supplies.
In Thailand, authorities have mobilised over 100 engineers to inspect buildings for safety across Bangkok following more than 2,000 reports of damage. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors amidst the debris, with the Bangkok Governor emphasising the importance of swift action to save lives.
The earthquake has also highlighted the vulnerability of immigrant workers, many from Myanmar, who were among those most affected by the disaster at the Bangkok construction site. Efforts are underway to provide support and assistance to all those impacted by this tragic event.
With the situation continuing to evolve, authorities in both countries are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations proceed.
References:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/29/myanmar-thailand-earthquake-death-toll-passes-700
https://nypost.com/2025/03/28/world-news/earthquake-rocks-thailand-and-myanmar-triggering-collapse-of-bangkok-high-rise/
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-quake-death-toll-nears-700-international-aid-starts-arrive-2025-03-29/
https://www.the-independent.com/asia/southeast-asia/myanmar-earthquake-rescue-bangkok-death-toll-latest-b2723764.html
